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Bringing Life Back to NZ’s Alps: One Native Tree at a Time

NZSIA is on a journey to enhance environmental sustainability and support, and like the growth of our native trees in alpine environments, it’s slow and steady. But we’re getting there, one native tree at a time!

How We’re Getting Our Hands Dirty
Over the past few years, we’ve focused on boosting the health of our alpine systems. First up was Coronet Peak with their ‘Pining for Christmas’ initiative—ridding the mountains of invasive wildling pines and turning them into Christmas trees or fragrant pine oil! In their place, native plants have been making a comeback, and we’re thrilled to be part of that restoration.

At Treble Cone, we supported the ‘Plant a Seed’ program, which has already planted 150 native trees at the road base, with a goal of 10,000 trees over the next decade. And guess what? We’re keen to stick around for the entire journey. Hopefully more to come in this space.

In 2024, we also donated $5,436 to each of three outstanding organisations, supporting their efforts to restore and protect our natural environments. That’s $2 from every one of our members’ annual fees, directly invested into projects that keep our local environments green and thriving.

 

Why Planting Native Trees Matters

Planting native trees is about more than just beautifying our ski slopes. It’s about bringing life back to our unique alpine ecosystems. Here’s why it’s so impactful:

  • Biodiversity Boost: Native trees create habitats for local wildlife, from birds to insects, which in turn support the entire ecosystem. Think of it as setting the table for a thriving alpine dinner party!
  • Future-Proofing Our Playground: These trees aren’t just for us; they’re for the skiers, boarders, and nature lovers of tomorrow. They stabilize the soil, reduce erosion, and maintain the stunning landscapes that future generations will explore.
  • Natural Carbon Capturers: Native trees are carbon-sequestering superheroes. They capture and store carbon dioxide, helping to balance the impact of our winter adventures on the slopes. Just imagine: every tree we plant is like a little green superhero, fighting climate change one root at a time.
By supporting these initiatives, we’re not just preserving our playgrounds—we’re enriching them, ensuring that New Zealand’s alpine regions stay wild, beautiful, and bursting with life for years to come.

Stay tuned as we continue to share stories from our rewilding journey. Together, we’re planting the seeds for a greener future! 🌳